David Pleat's key final clashes

Chelsea should know what to expect of Ronaldo. If he is able to receive the ball too freely today he will immediately run at pace and with purpose. With the ball seemingly tied to his toe, he will put the full-back on his heels and drag cover across from the middle. When he is in full flight, Chelsea have to force him away from goal - not easy when he can move either way so comfortably. Bridge will have the task of ushering him across field when he threatens to get to the byline. Here the defender's left-sided colleagues, probably Lampard or the left-sided centre-back, must be ready to snap into the challenge. Defensively Bridge boasts speed on the turn, which will help against the Portuguese jet, but where Ronaldo has the edge is jumping for crossfield balls within heading distance of goal. Bridge must not let him steal a yard because the winger boasts a prodigious leap. Brave, quick, a goalscorer who can head and dribble - Ronaldo is, indeed, the modern-day George Best.

Nemanja Vidic v Didier Drogba

Drogba has the power, muscle and pace to make life difficult for any Premiership centre-back and Vidic will have to beware of getting too tight and allowing the Ivorian to roll him. This will be an explosive confrontation. One fascinating aspect will be Drogba's defensive work on corners and set plays - usually excellent - when he will have the reverse role of attempting to block Vidic, who is fearless when attacking the ball. The Serb is not long back from a dislocated shoulder and Drogba will test him early in the physical challenges. Mourinho will be praying that his forward talisman runs as quickly as ever and jumps high for crosses. Watch out for Cech's high kick to Drogba, who must be challenged by the opposing centre-half as he tries to muster an accurate knockdown. Often this can induce a foul from the marker. Indeed, Drogba is cute at jumping for the ball and looking for the opportunity to win a free-kick. Yet it must be said that Vidic will be as hard an opponent as he could ever face.

Paul Scholes v Frank Lampard

Chelsea are likely to play Lampard on the left side of a three without an orthodox outside-left, so he is likely to come up against the action man who has been United's catalyst in their outstanding season. Scholes has been the provider of the passes, probing and supplying the quick wide men. Chelsea will try to limit his opportunities, but one suspects that Ferguson's side may still find the required space. United's wingers need ball and Scholes supplies it. He pings passes crossfield accurately and with pace, and Lampard must get tight and be competitive when possession changes hands. Lampard is an outstanding midfield scorer. Scholes does not get into the box and nick those clever headed goals as he did in yesteryear but Lampard drives forward and uses his accuracy and power of shooting to great effect. He is also excellent at nicking the ball and driving on, and he will be vital to Chelsea's front support, particularly if Essien is forced to play at centre-back.